New Zealand is set to face the West Indies in a highly anticipated ODI series. The West Indies will seek to improve their batting performance against New Zealand’s formidable pace attack.

New Zealand’s Recent Form

New Zealand has been in impressive form in ODIs. Since the start of 2025, they have won three consecutive home series. Out of nine matches, they only lost one, showcasing a dominant performance.

• Three series victories at home
• Champions Trophy runners-up, with losses only to India

Bowling Strength

The New Zealand bowlers have been exceptional.

In their last series against England, they restricted the team to under 225 runs in all three matches. Fast bowlers claimed 27 of the 30 wickets.

• Leading wicket-taker: Blair Tickner with eight wickets
• Zak Foulkes and Jacob Duffy each took seven wickets

The experienced Matt Henry returns after a calf strain, further enhancing New Zealand’s bowling lineup.

West Indies’ Bowling Challenges

The West Indies recently faced challenges against spin bowling in Bangladesh.

Now, they must prepare for New Zealand’s pace threat. Due to injuries, Jayden Seales will lead the West Indies’ pace attack.

• Injuries to Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, and Jediah Blades
• Justin Greavesis  is expected to fulfil a supporting role

Batting Concerns

Despite having promising batsmen like Keacy Carty, who has struggled for consistency, the West Indies batting order remains a concern. Carty has four centuries but hasn’t scored over fifty in recent innings.

Alick Athanaze has recently returned to the ODI setup and showed potential, but must convert starts into significant scores.

Amir Jangoo began with a century on his debut but has since faltered.

Captain Shai Hope, known for his reliability, will need support from his teammates. To reinforce their batting, John Campbell returns after a six-year absence from ODIs, replacing Brandon King. His ODI comeback is highly anticipated.

Conclusion

The series against New Zealand will be crucial for the West Indies. They must revitalise their batting and adapt to the formidable pace attack. Fans await to see if the players can rise to the occasion and secure vital victories.